There’s nothing quite like that new car smell, and in the excitement of selecting and purchasing a new ride, shopping around for insurance quotes can fall between the cracks. Many people simply add a new car to their current policy without thinking about how much it will cost or how much they could be saving. But taking a little time to get the best rate on your car means more money for enjoying that car; like road trips and gas in the tank.
Get Quotes Before You Buy
Odds are you spent some time shopping around and comparing prices and interest rates before you decided on your new car. You want to get the best deal on the car that is right for you, and you don’t want to overpay. A new car purchase is something you take your time on, not jump into without some thought. Getting insurance on that new car should be approached the same way.
One of the best ways to avoid a surprise on your insurance bill is to get quotes on the cars you are considering before you narrow it down and buy. Different cars can have very different insurance rates, and getting that information as part of your shopping around process can help you to make the final decision on which car is right for you.
When you have chosen a few models that are your finalists, call your insurance company and request car insurance quotes on them. Too often drivers find out after they have already purchased a car that it comes with high insurance rates, but that can be avoided with a simple phone call or online quote.
Shop Around for Better Rates
Your current insurance company likely offers you the convenient option of calling them to add your new vehicle to the policy after you have already bought it. That allows you to make a car purchase outside of insurance company business hours and be able to drive home still covered.
While it is convenient, it doesn’t guarantee you the best deal on your new car insurance. It’s also important to note that the time period insurance companies allow for reporting a new car purchase doesn’t give you free insurance. Your new policy will be backdated and you will pay for coverage from the date of purchase, so don’t consider it a savings!
Shopping around for rate quotes on your new car before you decide to simply go ahead with your current company is easier than ever thanks to online quoting. It’s available 24 hours a day, which means buying your car on a Sunday afternoon doesn’t prevent you from finding out what rates might be available to you.
Of course, if you have shopped ahead of time for rate quotes, you won’t have to worry about driving off the opaying more than you have to because you will already know who has the best rate and be prepared to start that new policy right away.
If you do decide to shop around for the new car, have the new company quote any other vehicles you own as well, and consider doing the same with your home insurance. That will get you an even better rate with multi-policy discounts, and save you on all of your other policies as well.
Check Your Discounts and Coverage
Your new car may qualify for discounts that an older car did not. That’s because the advanced safety features and anti-theft equipment on new cars could mean a lower risk to insurance companies, and they reward drivers of those cars with lower rates. Be sure to ask about discounts that are available on your new car and note any special safety or security equipment that comes with the vehicle, especially if it’s an option you have added.
You may also be able to save some money on your insurance policy by dropping roadside assistance. Many new cars come with a roadside assistance plan for the duration of the warranty, so there’s no need to pay for it again on your car insurance.
Make sure that shopping for car insurance quotes is a part of your new car shopping process, and you will save money not just on the car itself but also on your insurance premiums. There is no better way to get a great deal on your new car policy than by comparing rates before you buy.
